5 Reasons Why You Should Give Your Senior Dog Turmeric

Disclaimer: Joyride Harness writers are not professionals. Please consult your trusted veterinarian before providing your dog new supplements.

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Are you weary about reaching for CBD to help out your senior dog? Keep reading because here’s an alternative to consider: turmeric.

Turmeric is a spice that originates from the root of a plant called the “Curcuma longa” which is from a ginger family of plants. The spice is frequently used for flavoring curry, mustards, cheeses, chicken, and more. 

But it’s more than food.

It’s more than a pantry item.

Turmeric has a whole wheelhouse of health benefits that we humans and dogs can benefit from. With the main active ingredient being curcumin, turmeric is an effective anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant.

Here are 5 reasons why you should consider giving your dogs, especially senior dogs, turmeric.

1. Turmeric can reduce pain, swelling and inflammation, and redness.

Swelling, inflammation, and redness occur as a response to trauma, toxins, and infections. Blood flow increases upon trauma or infection, therefore, resulting in swelling, aches, and pains. 

When your dog experiences chronic inflammation, it can lead to other undesirable symptoms. Turmeric helps in these instances to reduce blood vessel dilation and ultimately stop the inflammation from continuing.

2. Turmeric improves your dog’s cardiovascular system.

According to Great Pet Care, turmeric can keep your dog’s heart healthy. They reported, “Studies have shown that curcumin has anticoagulant (blood-thinning) properties that can help decrease blood clots in the heart, making it a helpful addition to your dog’s diet for a healthier cardiovascular system.”

This is one benefit that makes turmeric especially beneficial to senior dogs. Adding turmeric to a senior dog’s diet can tremendously improve the health and wellness of their heart.

3. Turmeric can improve mobility for dogs with arthritis.

This benefit ties into Benefit #1 with turmeric being an agent that can help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation, and redness. Without inflammation impacting the joints, your dog will have no trouble continuing to move around your house or run outside and play. Turmeric improves the mobility of dogs with arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties!

Turmeric is seen as a homeopathic alternative to prescription medications. Consult with your trusted veterinarian before administering supplements to your dog.

4. Turmeric can improve the health of your dog’s digestive system.

When your dog’s digestive system is caput, everything goes paws up from there which is why many pet owners turn to turmeric as a digestive aid. Dogs may experience Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) which can lead to other health problems and discomfort. Additionally, turmeric stimulates bile production which makes it easier for your dog’s stomach to break down foods. This keeps your dog’s intestines nice and healthy!

5. Turmeric can reportedly replace steroids.

Steroids are used for allergies and joint problems, for dogs, too. With curcumin as the active ingredient in turmeric, it’s recognized as just as effective as steroids. It’s been reported in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology that the use of curcumin in place of steroids yields the same benefits without the side effects that may come from steroid medications.

This is just a sampling of tips and informational posts we offer at Joyride Harness. You can find more content including tips and tricks and how-tos for caring for your dog on our blog in this section.